Median Income
$102,829
37% higher than US avg
Home Value
$242,300
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
90/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,577
36% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Wonder Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,141
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density835/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$102,829
Per Capita$46,862
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,300
Rent$1,577
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$280,735
Housing Units1,564
Rent Burden14.2%
Crime
F
Violent90/100K
Property181/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking13.4%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation794 ft (242 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute36 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries13
Is Wonder Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wonder Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Wonder Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wonder Lake is $102,829, which is significantly higher than the national average / 37% above $75,149. This places Wonder Lake among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wonder Lake is $242,300, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,577 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wonder Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 181 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wonder Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wonder Lake has a population of 4,141 with a density of 835 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (77.7%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wonder Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wonder Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wonder Lake is $102,829, which is 37% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,862 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 14.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Wonder Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $102,829 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
The median home value in Wonder Lake is $242,300, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,735, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,577 (36% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,564 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,300 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,735 |
| Median List Price | $355,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $355,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $211 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 17.7% |
| Inventory | 62 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,577 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,564 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Wonder Lake, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wonder Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Wonder Lake has a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 181 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wonder Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wonder Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 90.3/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 180.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wonder Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 794 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 835/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3834°N, 88.3500°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
48 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
22 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
46 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 110 fatalities, 2,195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
78 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
143 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Wonder Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Wonder Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wonder Lake
What is the population of Wonder Lake?
Wonder Lake has a population of 4,141 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 835 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Wonder Lake expensive to live in?
Wonder Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $102,829, 37% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,300 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,577 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wonder Lake safe?
Wonder Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 90 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wonder Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wonder Lake?
Wonder Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wonder Lake?
Wonder Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 14.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wonder Lake?
The median home value in Wonder Lake is $242,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,735. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,577. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 97.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Wonder Lake?
Schools in Wonder Lake score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Wonder Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wonder Lake?
The obesity rate in Wonder Lake is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Wonder Lake?
The average commute in Wonder Lake is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wonder Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wonder Lake is 77.7% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
